Madison Square Garden is a special entertainment and sports
venue, which this week closed for the third and final stage of its renovation. Dubbed “the World’s Most Famous Arena”, it is the home of the NBA’s New
York Knicks, NHL’s New York Rangers, and WNBA’s New York Liberty. Musical acts, such as Chicago and Earth,
Wind, and Fire, have played there in front of 18,200 fans. Vince McMahon of
World Wrestling Entertainment sends his traveling band of superstars and divas
there for house shows throughout the year, including the traditional holiday
show at the end of the year.
As a fan, this building holds importance to me. I have been
a long-time spectator at this venue, and have witnessed many moments there that
I will always remember:
NHL Moments:
October 15th, 2005-Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist of the New York
Rangers becomes fan favorite during game against the Atlanta Thrashers (now known
as the Winnipeg Jets). The Rangers win 5-1 and the “King” nickname gets
appropriately bestowed after Lundqvist tips his glove at the latter moments of
the contest…Fast Forward 8 years later, he would have many milestone moments,
and the NHL would recognize him as Vezina Trophy winner for the Goaltender of
the Year.
NBA/WNBA Moments:
Basketball games mostly known to me are those of the New York Liberty. Fan
Appreciation Day games especially meant a lot. During this occasion, the entire
team allowed Season-Subscribers to be a part of the team photo at center
court. The Shoot-around could be watched
from anywhere in the empty arena and you could roam around the corridors until
the doors opened. By then, it was game time and the Liberty put on a show that
would either lead to a “Thank you-see you next season” or upcoming playoff
information.
Musical Moments:
June 2009-Chicago with Earth, Wind and Fire played Madison Square Garden. This
dual tour was a success in past years and it was amazing to see that day. The
two acts opened up the show playing together and the brass sections sounded
amazing. Both bands did their own sets as well: Earth Wind and Fire’s spirited
songs and Chicago’s incredible catalog of songs were worth hearing live.
Concluding the night was another combined set that displayed the comfort zone
both acts have and shows their music is popular across generations.
Nights At the WWE
Fights: Since WrestleMania X (10), I have been a constant at Madison Square
Garden whenever the WWE is in town. Out of all the memories I have of their
time at this venue, I was lucky to see a few “firsts”. Starting with WrestleMania X(10), there was the first ladder match between "HBK" Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon...During Survivor Series 1996, I saw the debut
of Rocky Miavia-who would become wrestling and movie star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson…The Monday Night Raw after Edge won the
King of the Ring, William Regal presented him with a trophy that looked like
the NHL Stanley Cup as supposed to the traditional crown and scepter… At Survivor Series 2002: “the Elimination
Chamber” structure was introduced.
Wrap-up: MSG will
always create a memorable moment. Every time you visit, you just have to wait
for the show or game to start to experience them.
No comments:
Post a Comment